REGION: Escondido, SM exploring partial firefighting merger

But discussions very preliminary, leaders say

Mike Vasile, president of the San Marcos firefighters union,
said he supported the goals behind consolidation, especially saving
money on equipment purchases. But he said the union had barely even
discussed any further efforts to merge the departments.

"I don't foresee it any time in the near or distant future," he
said.

San Marcos Mayor Jim Desmond said leaders in his city have not
discussed a partial merger at all.

"It's not even on our radar," he said.

But Escondido Mayor Sam Abed said he was enthusiastic about the
idea, saying it fit well with his plans to reinvent Escondido city
government.

"Efficiency is the buzzword at Escondido City Hall," he said.
"We have to reform government and make fundamental changes."